Blog>Cost Guides>How much does a domestic wind turbine cost in 2025?
Last updated: 24 January 2025
How much does a domestic wind turbine cost in 2025?
Considering installing a domestic wind turbine to save on your energy bills? Learn about wind turbine costs for UK homes, including installation and maintenance, in this comprehensive guide.
Installing domestic wind turbines to generate electricity is on the up – and no wonder. With around 40 per cent of all wind energy in Europe blowing over the UK, a domestic wind turbine helps you save on your energy bills and do your bit for the planet.
But, with the average cost of a roof-mounted version starting at around £2,000, but rising to £7,000for an entry-level freestanding model, are domestic wind turbines worth it?
Here, we explore wind turbine costs, including installation, maintenance and saving tips. We also give advice on how to find an experienced installer using our free search directory.
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How much does a domestic wind turbine cost in the UK?
| Cost provided item | Typical cost (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| 1kW (roof-mounted) | £1,500 |
| 1.5kW (freestanding) | £7,000 |
| 2.5kW (freestanding) | £12,500 |
| 5kW (freestanding) | £23,500 |
| 10kW (freestanding) | £45,000 |
| 15kW (freestanding) | £70,000 |
| Last updated: January 2025 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |
As you can see from the above, a domestic wind turbine cost varies greatly. What you'll pay depends on:
Type – Roof-mounted and freestanding models are both options to consider for a domestic home
Size – The size of the model you choose will greatly affect your energy output (and cost!)
Manufacturer – The price of an entry-level wind turbine is very different to a commercial model
Installer – A more experienced wind turbine installer may charge more
Based on these factors above, you could pay anywhere between £800 to £70,000 for a wind turbine.It's also important to know that this cost does not include your installation fee (more on that later). So, needless to say, you're looking at a sizable investment.
Let's look at the pros and cons of residential wind turbines to help you decide if this renewable energy source is right for your home and budget.
Roof-mounted wind turbine cost
A roof-mounted wind turbine is a good option if you have a high roof that regularly gets enough wind speed.
Pros
Cheaper to buy – Compared to freestanding wind turbines
Relatively quick to install – Provided the roof access is straight-forward
Potential energy savings – A 1kW turbine could generate 850kWh of energy annually. This works out as a total yearly saving of £170 based on a 20p/kWh payment for export (SEG)
Cons
Limited power – Varying in size from around 0.5kW to 2.5kW, a roof-mounted wind turbine might not generate enough energy to power up your home solely on renewable energy
Supplement energy – You'll most likely need to top up your energy from your existing grid supplier alongside the energy harnessed from your wind turbine. This is especially true for larger households with a high energy usage
Costs
The average cost of a 1kW roof-mounted domestic wind turbine is £1,500
Freestanding wind turbine cost
A smaller version of a commercial wind turbine, freestanding domestic wind turbines are installed at ground level.
Pros
Powerful –They are much more effective than roof-mounted versions
Sell back energy – Provided they are professionally installed and managed, you could sell surplus electricity back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee
Potential energy savings – A 1.5kW turbine could generate 2000kWh of energy annually. This works out as a total yearly saving of £400 based on a 20p/kWh payment for export (SEG)
For a full breakdown of energy savings for wind turbines, check out our FAQs later in the article.
Cons
Expensive – Freestanding wind turbines are more expensive to buy and install
Space – You'll need a large plot of land in an exposed position away from trees and buildings to install a freestanding wind turbine. This rules out most homeowners with average-sized gardens
Costs
Prices vary from around £7,000 for an entry-level 1.5kW freestanding wind turbine
For a 5kW freestanding model, you'll pay around £23,500
However, for a top-of-the-range 15kW freestanding version, you're looking at paying £70,000
Still on the fence deciding whether wind energy is right for your home? Our expert advice for home wind turbines has plenty more information.
Other costs to consider
Wind turbines are expensive bits of kit. That's why ensuring you've considered all the costs involved is vital so there are no nasty surprises later down the line.
Here are some other wind turbine costs you need to factor in:
Installation costs:
As mentioned earlier, your wind turbine installation cost will be in addition to the turbine's cost.
Installing a wind turbine is a specialist job. A professional installer must prepare the site, lay cables to connect to the grid and ensure the wind turbine is positioned optimally. That's why the installation cost often doubles your wind turbine quote.
Here's a cost breakdown for wind turbine installation to help you budget:
The average installation cost for a roof-mounted wind turbine is £1,000
The cost to install a freestanding wind turbine (2kW to 15kW) jumps up to a whopping £5,000 - £20,000
Planning permission:
First and foremost, we recommend checking with your local planning authority to see if you need approval. That's because guidelines differ depending on where you live.
Here's an overview of the current guidelines according to your location:
England – Generally speaking, wind turbine installation up to around 6kW models is covered by permitted development rights, assuming specific criteria are met. However, if not, you’ll need to get planning permission
Scotland – All roof-mounted wind turbines require planning permission
Wales and Northern Island – All wind turbines require planning permission, regardless of whether they’re roof-mounted or freestanding
If you do need to acquire planning permission, the cost can come as a bit of a shock:
The average cost for a planning permission application (if required) is anywhere between £5,000 - £20,000
Don't forget you'll need to factor in a good few months for an application to go through
Our planning permission cost guide has more information about the costs and processes involved
Insurance and maintenance:
Insurance – If your current home insurance provider doesn’t cover wind turbines, you may need to take out cover with a specialist insurer
Maintenance – Wind turbines are built to last between 20 and 25 years. Maintaining a roof-mounted wind turbine is likely to cost between£100 and £200 a year
What about commercial wind turbine costs?
Are you curious to know how costs compare to a commercial wind turbine? Prices jump dramatically when you start looking into commercial turbines:
Buying and installing a commercial 100kW wind turbine costs on average £345,000
Meanwhile, it's a whopping £3.13 million to buy and install a 3.5mW wind turbine
Is the price for a domestic wind turbine mounting up more than you thought? Before writing the idea off, it's worth looking into other renewable energy options. For instance, solar panels are a popular alternative to wind turbines and could be a slightly more cost-effective solution.
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How to save on wind turbine installation costs
Installing a wind turbine is a hefty investment, but there are ways to save on the costs. Here's some ideas to look into:
Sharing installation costs
Put your land to work – Some installers and companies will pay you ground rent for letting them install a wind turbine on your property
Spilt the costs – Many installers offer the chance to split the investment 50/50 in return for splitting the benefits
Grants and incentives for UK homeowners
0% VAT – Use the same company to supply and install your domestic wind turbine, and you could be eligible to access 0% VAT – that's a 20% saving
Contracts for Difference (CfD) – This scheme helps you get a guaranteed price for any surplus electricity you generate and sell back to the grid
Community Energy Fund (CEF) – If you live in a rural area, you may be eligible to apply for this fund. It aims to develop sustainable energy projects, including wind turbines
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) – While not a grant, the SEG allows you to receive payments for surplus electricity exported back to the grid, providing an additional income stream for you
To find out about all the green grants available here in the UK, check out our comprehensive green homes grant cost guide.
Choosing the right wind turbine for your home
The cost of your wind turbine and installation aren't the only factors to consider when choosing the right wind turbine for your home and energy usage.
Let's run through some of the other important factors to consider:
Wind speed – You'll need a minimum wind speed of five metres per second. A renewable energy consultant will test this. However, you could also consider buying or hiring a handheld anemometer to check the wind speed yourself
Energy needs – The bigger your property, the more power you’ll require. Larger homes will need to invest in a more powerful wind turbine
Visual impact – Proximity to neighbouring properties and how the wind turbine looks will be accessed as part of the planning application process (if required). This is especially important if you live in a conservation area
Space – If you're installing a freestanding wind turbine, do you have enough land to accommodate it?
Height – If you're installing a roof-mounted turbine, do you have enough roof height to capture enough wind speed?
Location – Depending on where you live in the UK, installation costs may vary
An experienced renewable energy consultant will conduct a feasibility study for your wind turbine installation. This will consider all of the above factors as part of their recommendations.
Still undecided about whether domestic wind turbines are worth it? Our comprehensive expert advice for home wind turbines has plenty more information.
Find a wind turbine installation specialist near you
Ready to find a wind turbine installation specialist near you? Get searching for an experienced installer by following these three simple steps:
Use a professional directory
Save time by using a professional directory (like Checkatrade!).
We're so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work (up to £1,000 for 12 months). Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.
Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
Read online reviews
A review from a previous customer is one of the best ways to check a tradesperson's professionalism.
At Checkatrade, we check all online reviews to ensure they're from real people and that trades meet our high standards.
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
Compare quotes
Get at least three quotes from experienced wind turbine installers local to you. That way, you can be sure you're getting the best tradesperson and price for the job. Search your postcode to get started.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of a wind turbine for a UK home?
That all depends on what type of domestic wind turbine you choose. The average cost of a 1kW roof-mounted domestic wind turbine is £1,500. Meanwhile, for an entry-level 1.5kW freestanding wind turbine, you'll look to pay around£7,000.
Do I need planning permission for a wind turbine in the UK?
Whether or not you need planning permission for a wind turbine in the UK depends on where you live and the type of wind turbine you're installing. Contact your local planning authority to see if you need approval as your first priority. But here's some guidance in the meantime:
England – Some domestic wind turbine installations don't require planning permission if they fall under your permitted development rights. However, if not, you’ll need to get planning permission
Scotland – All roof-mounted wind turbines require planning permission
Wales and Northern Island – All wind turbines require planning permission, regardless of whether they’re roof-mounted or freestanding
How much money can I save with a wind turbine?
The potential energy savings with wind turbines is impressive. But how much money you can save all depends on the size and power of your wind turbine.
Here are some approximate figures for electricity savings per year, based on a 20p/kWh payment for export (SEG):
1kW turbine – 850kWh generated per year – Total yearly savings £170
1.5kW turbine – 2000kWh generated per year – Total yearly savings £400
2.5kW turbine – 3500kWh generated per year – Total yearly savings £700
5kW turbine – 8500kWh generated per year – Total yearly savings £1,700
10kW turbine –15000kWh generated per year – Total yearly savings £3,000
15kW turbine – 43400kWh generated per year – Total yearly savings £8,680
How long do wind turbines last?
Provided they are professionally installed and well maintained, wind turbines are built to last between 20 and 25 years. Maintaining a roof-mounted wind turbine is likely to cost between£100 and £200 a year.
Are wind turbines noisy or disruptive?
Small domestic wind turbines shouldn't be noisy or disruptive when professionally installed. Generally speaking, you could compare the noise to the hum of a refrigerator, so it should be hardly noticeable.
How much electricity can a domestic wind turbine generate?
As explored above, the amount of energy a domestic wind turbine can generate depends on the size and power of the wind turbine you invest in.
What is the lifespan of a wind turbine?
The lifespan of a wind turbine is between 20 and 25 years. That's provided they are professionally installed and well-maintained. However, it's worth noting if your wind turbine system uses batteries to store the electricity generated, these will probably need to be replaced sooner.
Can I sell excess electricity back to the grid?
Absolutely. You can sell excess electricity through the Smart Export Guarantee. This scheme allows you to receive payments for surplus electricity exported back to the grid, providing an additional income stream for you.
How do wind turbines affect property value?
Provided your wind turbine has been professionally installed, has proof of planning permission (if required) and is well-maintained, most home buyers will see a wind turbine as a positive. However, how a roof-mounted wind turbine looks will be important to some home buyers. That's why making sure you have a professional install and finish is important.
Are there any government grants for wind turbine installation in the UK?
Various government grants are available to help with the cost of your wind turbine installation. For instance, the Community Energy Fund (CEF) aims to develop sustainable energy projects in rural areas. A good place to start is contacting your local authorities, to see if any schemes are available in your local area.
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